From GermanEste. The long first vowel is likely due to Baltic German influence. First attested in the 17th century. It became popular among ethnic Estonians in the 19th century, during the national awakening. Before, the terms maavald, maarahvas, and maakeel were used.

Of unclear origin. Perhaps related to the name of the Aesti described by the Roman historian Tacitus (around 98 CE), or perhaps related to the Eistland mentioned in Old Norse sagas (in Icelandic, Estonia is still called Eistland). Compare GermanEstland.